President Barack Obama, with the help of store employee Susan Panariello, shops for sweaters. / Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama dropped in on a Gap store in New York City on Tuesday, and not just to do some shopping for his wife and daughters.

Obama also saluted the clothing chain for raising its minimum wage.

"In his State of the Union address, the President called for businesses to raise workers' wages," said a White House statement. "And today the President will visit a Gap store to show his support for Gap Inc.'s decision to increase wages for their U.S. based employees."

The president could be seen perusing sweaters, eventually buying a gray-and-white striped number for one daughter, and a bright coral one for other.

While a sales associate recommended a V-neck, Obama opted for a round-neck option: "I'm worried the V-neck is going to slip."

For Mrs. Obama, the president picked a blue workout jacket.

"I think the ladies will be impressed by my style sense," Obama said.

Paying with a credit card, Obama teased the press pool, telling the cashier: "Oh wow. So, you can sign the machine?" As reporters scribbled down the comment, the president said he was joking, and "they had these around the last time I shopped."

Obama also spoke briefly to reporters about the Gap and its increase in the minimun wage.

"It's not only good for them and their families, it's also good for the entire economy," he said. "I want to congratulate the Gap for doing the right thing."

The president is seeking a nationwide hike in the minimum wage, from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour.

Obama is in the Big Apple to headline a pair of Democratic campaign fundraisers.